South Korea’s science and information technology minister emphasized the necessity of global cooperation in the development of artificial intelligence (AI) at a recent summit hosted by the country. The summit, co-hosted with Britain, focused on key issues such as job security, copyright, and inequality related to AI technology.
During the summit, 16 tech companies signed a voluntary agreement to ensure the safe development of AI, while an additional pledge was signed by 14 companies, including Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI, to implement measures like watermarking to identify AI-generated content and support job creation and vulnerable groups in society.
Minister Lee Jong-Ho highlighted the importance of collaboration, stating that cooperation is not just an option but a necessity in advancing AI technology safely. He expressed optimism about discussions at future summits, emphasizing the need for more collaboration on AI safety institutes.
While progress has been made in regulating AI technology, experts believe that enforceable rules are essential. According to Francine Bennett, Director at the Ada Lovelace Institute, regulations should be set by governments to ensure public safety. Max Tegmark, President of the Future of Life Institute, stressed the need for mandatory safety standards before AI services enter the market to prevent potential backlash from harmful outcomes.
Lee acknowledged the challenge of keeping laws up to date with rapidly evolving technologies like AI, emphasizing the importance of flexible regulations for safe public use.
The global AI summit serves as a platform for international discussions on AI safety, innovation, and inclusivity, with a focus on fostering cooperation between state-backed institutes to regulate the technology effectively. As the AI landscape continues to evolve, collaborative efforts will be crucial in shaping the future of AI technology for the benefit of society.